Jalandhar Lok Sabha Bypoll Sees Record Low Voter Turnout at 54 Percent

The Jalandhar Lok Sabha bypoll on Wednesday saw a 54 percent voter turnout. This was a record low and the reason for it is said to be a lack of enthusiasm across parties as well as harvest season keeping the farmers away from poll campaigns. Furthermore, AAP also saw a substantially weak booth presence.

A record low voter turnout was observed at the Jalandhar Lok Sabha bypoll on Wednesday. Only 54 percent of the voters came out to cast their votes. The Jalandhar constituencies were heavily contested across all parties. The maximum votes were polled in Shahkot, followed by Jalandhar West. The voting percentage in Shahkot constituency was 57.4, followed by Jalandhar West’s 56.4 percent.

Phillaur and Nakodar were 55.8 and 55.4 percent, respectively. Kartarpur, Jalandhar North and Adampur constituencies recorded 54.7 percent, 54.4 percent, and 54 percent votes, respectively. Jalandhar Cantt and Jalandhar Central saw the lowest turnout at 48.9 percent and 49 percent, respectively.

The reason for the low voter turnout is said to be the lack of voter enthusiasm that was felt across parties with limited presence of people. According to a report, many people said that “unprecedented” party hopping by senior leaders was also a reason for the lack of enthusiasm among voters. Additionally, harvest season compounded by rain and damage to wheat crops kept the farmers busy in their fields and out of the voting centers.

Furthermore, AAP saw a substantially weak booth presence which was surprising to a lot of voters since AAP is the ruling party in the state. The party was also targeted for bringing outsiders to the booths.

Vineet Washington